A cold cryostorage assembly includes a storage chamber in which specimens can be cryo-preserved. Specimen samples are stored in a vacuum so as to minimize the risk of sample contamination. The specimen samples can be cooled and warmed at adjustable controlled rates which best suit the specimen samples in question. The storage chamber can be cooled to temperatures as low as -269.degree. C. without the use of a cryogen that contacts the specimen sample containers. The specimens can be inserted into and/or removed from the storage chamber at individually programmed variable rates by means of an automated specimen-handling component of the assembly. The specimen handling component of the assembly can be operated by remote control, or even over the internet. The storage chamber is evacuated, and in any case, it does not involve the use of a cryogen in direct contact with sample containers in the storage chamber. The cryogen is contained inside of closed heat exchangers that are disposed in the storage chamber.